Why are social networks that successful?

[hipromx]

Well you may have read that in the past days Facebook reached the milestone of 650 million users worldwide.

Why is it that social networks are becoming that successful?

 

[Deleted member 1609]

That means that almost one in every ten people in the world is on Facebook. 😵

 

[Nebulous]

Because people like attention and want all their friends and fam to look at and comment on all their stupid photos. 😛

 

[Gizmo]

That means that almost one in every ten people in the world is on Facebook. 😵

Count me in one of those ten people.

It's because they advertise till their hearts stop working. 😉 They have enough money to pretty much buy anything they want.

 

[Antarctic]

I don't think i have ever seen a Facebook ad. It's mostly users talking about it which makes it popular.

 

[froggyboy604]

Facebook and other social networks are free ways for people to communicate with friends, family, co-workers, and strangers compared to using a cell phone which cost money.

There are a lot of addicting flash games on Facebook as well. I read a few stories online of people being addicted to Farmville, and Mafia Wars,

Plus, I rather give out my Facebook username then my phone number to people I do not know very well since it is not safe giving out phone numbers to strangers.

 

[hipromx]

Isn't it better to talk with your friends and family live?

 

[Caedus]

It is a LOT better to talk to your friends and family live. It's sad how we are going away from it and just using technology to do it for us.

But I don't have much room to talk either, I am on Facebook, but only to keep track of old friends.

 

[Nebulous]

Facebook and other social networks are free ways for people to communicate with friends, family, co-workers, and strangers compared to using a cell phone which cost money.

I have an unlimited plan so my cell phone bill is the same if I use it a lot or hardly at all. 😛

 

[hipromx]

Facebook and other social networks are free ways for people to communicate with friends, family, co-workers, and strangers compared to using a cell phone which cost money.

I have an unlimited plan so my cell phone bill is the same if I use it a lot or hardly at all. 😛

Actually a very good move from mobile phone service providers.

 

[David]

It's because they started a while back when there was a handful of sites that actually was unique, but nowadays, they aren't all too unique. Also, they are able to grow due to the increase in funding they have, eg. from ads, and donations.

If you start any site today, chances are it's an inspired idea, or very similar to someone else. Uniqueness if very hard to attain nowadays.

 

[hipromx]

You're completely right. It would be really hard to start a new site based on their concept.

 

[Benjay]

When the likes of Facebook and Twitter came around they all had one thing in common, they were unique.

If I go and create a site call Facephoto, would it be sucessfully, no. Because it would be similar to facebook and not unique.

 

[hipromx]

Incredible isn't it? how something so simple (for some even stupid) as "liking" things could became so successful.

 

[Nebulous]

Myspace was the king of social networks in the beginning, now facebook is.
I can see why. Myspace's upgrades are just making things worse. They always are laggy and slow loading for me too.

 

[hipromx]

I agree. Actually, I have never liked MySpace.

 

[Justin]

Because they solve an issue. For example, Twatter. http://twatter.com

 

[hipromx]

Lol Twatter, nice site.

 

[Schoda]

Just 2 words:
Free Service.

That's one of the main reasons why SNs are big these days.
Giving people the opportunity to communicate worldwide at no cost is something most people wouldn't want to ignore.

It's quite debatable on which SN provides the best service.

 

[hipromx]

They key to social net­works quickly mov­ing up in size is their viral nature. Because peo­ple who get on those need to expand their net­work, they invite their friends. And those friends, in turn, invite their friends. The viral nature of a new social net­work is an impor­tant part to mak­ing it succeed.

Good point. It wouldn't have sense to join a SN and not invite your friends to talk with them.